About Iyengar Yoga
What is Iyengar Yoga?
Iyengar Yoga is a term coined by students of B.K.S. Iyengar, who is a living master in Pune, India. He has been practicing and teaching since he was a teenager, and he is now 91 years old. He wrote the classic book published in 1966, "Light on Yoga", and has published several more since then. The type of yoga in this "school" or "system" is based on Mr. Iyengar's years of deep study, practice and teaching, and he is recognized worldwide for his gifts in these areas and for his rigorous training programs for teachers who follow his methods.
It is a "classical" type of yoga, based on the ancient texts and the teaching of a traceable lineage of teachers. It starts with the learning of "asanas", a Sanskrit word meaning postures. The postures are given to perfect health and wellness, and to train the mind and consciousness. Yoga is a complete subject, which begins with postures that seem merely physical from outside observation but are experienced by practitioners as tools for awakening awareness and consciousness to tune the systems of the body and self. The underlying principles include non-violence and truthfulness in dealing with others and the goal is integration of all the parts of the self, from the periphery to the inner core or essence (soul).
The Iyengar method of yoga is known specifically for a few things: precision, a balance of stability and flexibility, sound physical and physiological principles, excellent training of teachers, a classical system rooted in the ancient wisdom, therapeutic applications (yoga therapy for specific conditions), and welcoming all students regardless of age or ability or size or background or any other factor.
Bibliography/Resources for Further Study
Light On Yoga, BKS Iyengar, 1966.
Classic Text on yoga practice. Includes black & white photos of the asanas,
instructions for performing the asanas, and a dense Introduction section that
can be read and reread many times for understanding of yoga philosophy and
applications to every day life. Highly recommended.
Yoga: A Gem for Women, Geeta S. Iyengar, 1983.
Black & white photos. Covers basic anatomy and physiology, some yoga
philosophy, yoga practice through women's life stages. Highly recommended.
Tree of Yoga, BKS Iyengar,1988.
Essays on various aspects of yoga practice and philosophy. Very readable and
enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Light on Pranayama, BKS Iyengar, 1981.
In depth textbook for practice of the yogic art of breathing. Techniques
presented are intended for students who have "achieved perfection in the
asanas."
Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, BKS Iyengar,1993.
Translation and commentary by living master BKS Iyengar on sage Patanjali's
fundamental text defining the art and science of yoga.
Iyengar: His Life and Work, BKS Iyengar, 1987.
Collection of articles, essays, and interviews by Mr. Iyengar and also by some
of his students.
Preliminary Course, by Geeta S. Iyengar, 2001.
Syllabus and techniques detailing the course for the first year of study at the
Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune, India. Basic and excellent
instructions,including intermediate (simplified) stages of the asanas. Includes
helpful drawings, highlights of the main points being made, along with hints
and cautions. Highly recommended (limited availability in the US).
For further information on BKS Iyengar or these books, go to the BKS IYENGAR OFFICIAL WEB SITE.
NON-IYENGAR-AUTHORED WORKS:
The Iyengar Way, by Silva, Mira, and Shyam Mehta, 1990.
Large color photos, generally good instructions for the asanas.
Video: Yoga Journal Beginner's Practice with Patricia
Walden.
Generally good beginner's practice.
The New Yoga For People Over 50, by Suza Francina, 1997.
The best use for this book is as a companion to one of the others. Be sure to
get the edition from 1997.
Yoga for Children, Swati and Rajiv Chanchani, 1995.
Excellent and easy to understand explanations of yoga philosophy, the meaning
of the Sanskrit asana names and the stories behind the history and names. For
children and adults. (limited availability in the U.S.).